It’s completely normal to be aware of your heartbeat, especially during activities like medical exams or after working out hard. It’s your body’s way of showing that it’s working just fine.
But if you’re noticing the sound of your heartbeat more often, especially when you’re lying down on your pillow at night, it might be time to pay a little closer attention.
What the Doctor Says
Dr. Anthony Youn, a physician from Detroit known for sharing health tips on TikTok, has recently talked about this particular situation.
In one of his videos, he humorously compares the sound of your heartbeat in bed to “a little person inside your pillow with the bass turned up too loud.”
Dr. Youn assures us that hearing your heartbeat occasionally while lying on your side is usually nothing to worry about. He explains, “If, every once in a while, you’re laying on your side and you hear your heart beating, it’s most likely your carotid artery basically sitting against your pillow.”
These carotid arteries are major blood vessels that run down each side of your neck and can pass close to your ears.
When to Be Concerned
However, Dr. Youn advises that if this sound is constant, both when lying down and sitting up, it might be something called pulsatile tinnitus.
Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus that causes you to hear a continuous sound like buzzing or ringing without any external source, and it can sometimes sound like a rhythmic heartbeat.
Dr. Youn mentions that while pulsatile tinnitus is mostly “benign,” it’s always safer to talk to your healthcare provider just to be sure.
Possible Underlying Causes
There are various reasons why this condition might occur, as it can range from high blood pressure to rapid blood flow.
Another cause could be atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries become hardened, leading to irregular blood flow.
Additionally, pulsatile tinnitus could also result from situations like anemia, pregnancy, or even tumors.
Each situation is different, which is why it’s crucial not to ignore any symptoms, persistent sounds, or changes regarding your health.
Why Listening to Your Body Matters
While most of the time, hearing your heartbeat can be harmless, it’s always wise to be informed and alert to any changes.
Your health is important, and just like any other symptom, being attentive can lead to early detection and treatment of potential health issues.
So, if you find yourself hearing your heartbeat more often than usual, take a moment to listen to your body and consider making an appointment with your healthcare provider for a thorough checkup.
